Dr. Curtis Green Tribble Obituary-Death News; Professor of Surgery at University of Virginia, Dr. Curtis Green Tribble Passes Away
Dr. Curtis Green Tribble, a highly respected professor, surgeon, mentor, and scholar, passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the age of 72 in Afton, Virginia. A native of Nashville, Tennessee, Dr. Tribble built a life of purpose and dedication to medicine, education, and the patients he served.
His passing leaves a deep void in the medical community, particularly at the University of Virginia, where he had devoted much of his career to teaching and advancing the field of cardiac surgery.
Colleagues, friends, and students alike describe Dr. Tribble as a man of exceptional talent and kindness. One heartfelt tribute shared shortly after his passing reflected the admiration he inspired:
“We lost a great heart surgeon at UVA over the weekend. Dr. Tribble was the kindest, hard core, great teacher I have worked with for a bit. I’m so sad at this news I received tonight. May God wrap His arms around Dr. Tribble’s family and friends.” Those words echo the sentiments of countless others whose lives were touched by his wisdom, compassion, and generosity.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Curtis developed an early passion for learning and service. He pursued medicine with a determination that would shape the rest of his life.
After completing his medical training, he quickly emerged as a gifted physician and surgeon, someone who combined technical excellence with a genuine concern for his patients’ well-being. His roots in the South instilled in him a sense of humility and warmth that endeared him to everyone he encountered.
Career at the University of Virginia
Dr. Tribble’s professional journey ultimately led him to the University of Virginia (UVA), where he became a professor of surgery and an esteemed member of the Division of Cardiac Surgery.
His work spanned several decades and reflected a remarkable breadth of expertise. In addition to performing complex surgical procedures, he dedicated himself to research in cardiology, cardiac and thoracic surgery, and even areas of plastic surgery.
His contributions were not confined to the operating room. Dr. Tribble was equally known for his role as an educator. He believed deeply in nurturing the next generation of surgeons, and he invested countless hours in mentoring medical students, residents, and fellows. To him, teaching was not simply about passing on knowledge but about shaping character, discipline, and empathy in those who would follow in his footsteps.
A Passion for Writing and Reflection
Beyond surgery and teaching, Dr. Tribble had a thoughtful, reflective side that found expression in writing. One of his most recent projects, The Spaces Between the Notes, was a series of essays crafted for cardiothoracic surgical residents.
Through these writings, he sought to share lessons not just about medicine, but about life, resilience, and the importance of finding meaning in one’s work. His essays captured his belief that medicine is as much an art as it is a science, and that true healing requires both skill and compassion.
Legacy of Kindness and Dedication
Those who knew Dr. Tribble remember him not only for his surgical expertise but also for his kindness, patience, and generosity of spirit. He carried himself with humility despite his many accomplishments, and he had a gift for making those around him feel valued and supported. Whether guiding a young surgeon through a challenging procedure or offering comfort to a family in crisis, he exemplified what it meant to be both a healer and a teacher.
Remembering Dr. Tribble
At 72, Dr. Tribble leaves behind a legacy that will endure through the lives of the countless patients he healed, the students he taught, and the colleagues he inspired. His passing is a profound loss to the UVA medical community and to the broader field of cardiac surgery. Yet, his influence lives on in the lessons he imparted, the writings he left behind, and the memories cherished by those fortunate enough to have known him.
